Class 1L has begun Term 4 with an introduction to physics through the workings of the nature beings. The children have been exploring the qualities of the four elements - earth, water, air and fire.

The earthy realm of the ‘Gnomes’ or ‘Cobolts’ started our work with mechanics - moving and shifting, experimenting and problem solving. Our room has been a buzzing hive of activity as marble runs grew around the room, exploring shape, size, angles and making adjustments to improve speed, height and drop. We then moved on to racing cars, using ramps and drawing mats to construct speedways od all shapes and sizes. Teams worked together collaboratively striving to improve performance.

This week we will be wading through the watery world with the ‘Undines’ or ‘Water Nixies’. We had a peek at Crystal Creek last Friday after the rains, just to see if we noticed any change or action, which we did of course; it was certainly flowing fast, swirling and forming little rapids over the logs and rocks. Next visit we’ll take our boats down to launch.

Over the coming few weeks we will look at the properties of wind - making propellers, planes and windmills, and learn about the work of the ‘Sylphs’ and the world of bees, birds and butterflies.

To finish this main lesson, we’ll play with the properties of fire and the work of the ‘Salamandas’ who make sure there is warmth from the sun reaching every blossom and seed for new growth. All children love to watch the flames of a fire, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Through this lesson the children imbibe the dawning of understanding that everything is interconnected and that we all have a responsibility to nurture our environment and take care of our surroundings.Linda MayerClass 1 Teacher